Mesh structure and its manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a mesh structure and its manufacturing method. The method comprises: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c) according to the two-dimensional figure, having a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure, and (d) having edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted. The method further comprises: (e) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. The three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention belongs to the technology field of manufacturing a meshstructure by mesh planar materials and more particularly to thetechnology field of manufacturing topiary apparatuses, lampshades,lanterns, and hutches.

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As for a device of a mesh structure, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,992,812,4,196,542, 4,190,984, and 4,258,503, are a reference.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,984, (984' patent) disclosed a method for makinga shrubbery shaper. The method comprises: first making a frame, thenhaving some meshes cut to get some shapes consistent with any facets ofthe frame, and at last having the shaped meshes combined in terms oftheir corresponding facets of the frame to form a three-dimensional meshstructure. Please refer to FIG. 1.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,503, (503' patent) illustrated a topiary figureaid its producing method. The method of the 503' patent is also to makea frame, and the frame is more complete than that of the 984' patent.However, the 503' patent did not use any mesh planar materials. The 503'patent can only apply to shapes with symmetric plains.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,542, (542' patent) illustrated a topiary frame.The 542' patent disclosed the linkage method for that frame. However,this patent never used mesh planar materials.

THE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a method for manufacturing a mesh structurethrough a mesh planar material. The method comprises: (a) having athree-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having thepolyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c)according to the two-dimensional figure, having a mesh planar materialcut to get a two-dimensional mesh structure, and (d) having edges of thetwo-dimensional mesh structure mounted. The method further comprises:(e) having at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to format least one three-dimensional mesh structure. The three-dimensionalfigure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

This invention also provides a method for manufacturing a mesh structurethrough a mesh planar material. The method comprises: (a) having athree-dimensional figure transformed into a polyhedron, (b) having thepolyhedron unfolded into at least one two-dimensional figure, (c) havingthe two-dimensional figure placed over a mesh planar material to have acontour formed over the mesh planar material according to thetwo-dimensional figure, and (d) according to the contour having the meshplanar material cut to get at least one two-dimensional mesh structure.The method further comprises: (c) having at least one two-dimensionalmesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional meshstructure. The three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulatedobject.

A method of this invention can be used to manufacture athree-dimensional mesh structure. Therefore, this invention provides athree-dimensional mesh structure made through a mesh planar material.The structure comprises at least one sub-mesh structure combined by atleast one linkage device. At least one sub-mesh structure can beunfolded into a two-dimensional mesh structure. Each two-dimensionalmesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. Thesetwo-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can betransformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensionalfigure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional meshstructure.

A three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention can be sold beforecombination. Therefore, this invention also provides a two-dimensionalmesh structure set used to form a three-dimensional mesh structure. Thetwo-dimensional mesh structure set comprises at least onesub-two-dimensional mesh structure. Each sub-two-dimensional meshstructure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. These two-dimensionalfigures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can be transformed into athree-dimensional figure. The three-dimensional figure is similar to theappearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

Through this invention, products of a mesh structure are provided. Theadvantage of these products is the reduction of transportation costs.Because these products are a two-dimensional mesh structure ortwo-dimensional mesh structure set before becoming a three-dimensionalmesh structure, they can be placed in a two-dimensional way (sometimesparallel) in a container when transported. Compared to thetransportation of the products of a three-dimensional mesh structure,this invention saves much more space in a container. It reduces thetransportation costs due to the increase of the transportation amount.

The next section will describe other features of this invention.Embodiments in the next section are considered examples and not used tolimit this invention. Moreover, processes, steps, materials, dimensions,structures, applications or other optional parts in the embodiments alsodo not limit this invention. Besides, this invention is defined as theappended claims.

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention can be illustrated in three ways: a method formanufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material, athree-dimensional mesh structure and a two-dimensional mesh structureset.

In one embodiment in accordance with this invention, FIG. 2, a methodfor manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material isgiven. The procedure of the method comprises at least four steps. Thefirst step 201 is to have a three-dimensional figure transformed into apolyhedron. The second step 202 is to have the polyhedron unfolded intoat least one two-dimensional figure. The third step 203, according tothe two-dimensional figure, is to have a mesh planar material cut to geta two-dimensional mesh structure. The fourth step 204 is to have edgesof the two-dimensional mesh structure mounted. In other embodiments, themethod of this invention further comprises the fifth step 205 that is tohave at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined to form atleast one three-dimensional mesh structure. In other embodiments, thethree-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulated object.

In other embodiments, the first and second steps are carried out by oneor some, softwares. For example, a CAD program (computer-aided designprogram) is executed in the operation systems of Microsoft Corporation.In other embodiments, softwares that can carry out the first and secondsteps of this invention can be used. In other embodiments, this sort ofsoftware has graphic functions.

In the first step 201, through softwares, such as functions of some CADprograms, to increase the facets of the polyhedron, thethree-dimensional figure is more similar to a to-be-simulated object.See FIG. 3, where the number of the facets in FIG. 3(A) is smaller thanthat in FIG. 3(B).

In some embodiments of the second step 202, the polyhedron may beunfolded into one two-dimensional figure. In other embodiments of thesecond step 202, the polyhedron may be unfolded into a plurality oftwo-dimensional figures.

In the third step 203, the mesh planar material is composed of plasticsteel, such as stainless steel. Therefore, the mesh structure is alsocomposed of plastic steel. In some embodiments, the mesh planar materialor mesh structure is also composed of polymers. In some embodiments,ceramic materials may be chosen. In other embodiments, the mesh planarmaterial is composed of a plastic metal.

In the third step 203, if there is one unfolded two-dimensional figure,then according to the two-dimensional figure, a mesh planar material iscut to got a two-dimensional mesh structure. If there are two unfoldedtwo-dimensional figures, in, some embodiments the two-dimensionalfigures are given to different mesh planar materials to be cut to gettwo two-dimensional mesh structures. If there are three unfoldedtwo-dimensional figures, in some embodiments, the two-dimensionalfigures are given to different mesh planar materials to be cut to getthree two-dimensional mesh structures; in other embodiments, thetwo-dimensional figures are given to the same mesh planar material to becut to get three two-dimensional mesh structures, in some embodiments,two of two-dimensional figures are given to the same mesh planarmaterial and the rest two-dimensional figure is given to another meshplanar material, and as a result, there are three two-dimensional meshstructures. Other embodiments related to the third step are deduced likethis.

Due to the characteristics of the mesh planar material, after cut, thetwo-dimensional mesh structure may have branched. Thus, in the fourthstep 204, the edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure are mounted.The mounting method can be from known or to-be-invented technologies. Insome embodiments, a soldering method with strips or bars is used to makethe two-dimensional mesh structure have a contour.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned third and fourth steps areexchangeable.

Refer to FIG. 2 again. The third step 213 is to have the two-dimensionalfigure placed over a mesh planar material to have a contour formed overthe mesh planar material according to the two-dimensional figure. Insome embodiments, this step can be executed by hands. In otherembodiments, this step can be carried out by mechanical systems. SeeFIG. 4. The contour 405 of the two-dimensional figure is placed over amesh planar material 404. In a computer 401, at least one soldering siteis acquired and transmitted to a locator 402. The locator 402 connectsand controls a soldering device 403. The soldering device 403 follows anassignment of the locator 402 to have the contour 405 of thetwo-dimensional figure and the mesh planar material 404 connectedtogether through soldering.

Still refer to FIG. 2. The fourth step 214 is to have the mesh planarmaterial cut to got one two-dimensional mesh structure according to thecontour. In some embodiments, if the mesh planar material has onecontour over it, then it is cut to get one two-dimensional meshstructure. In other embodiments, if the mesh planar material has twocontours over it, then it is cut to get two two-dimensional meshstructures. And so on.

In some embodiments, after the fourth step, in FIG. 2, the fifth step205 is to have at least one two-dimensional mesh structure combined toform at least one three-dimensional mesh structure. In some embodiments,if there is only one two-dimensional mesh structure, it is folded tohave a three-dimensional mesh structure. In some embodiments, if onethree dimensional mesh structure requires two two-dimensional meshstructures, then these two-dimensional mesh structures can be combinedtogether by clamps or spirals. And so on. These two-dimensional meshstructures may or may not be folded to have a form.

In some embodiments, in the fifth step 205, these two-dimensional meshstructures can be combined together by soldering to have a requiredthree-dimensional mesh structure.

Refer to FIG. 5(A). A swan figure 510 is simulated as a polyhedron 520through a CAD software. The polyhedron 520 is similar to the swan figure510. See FIG. 5(B). Then, the polyhedron 520 is unfolded into fourtwo-dimensional figures 531, 532, 533 and 534. Then some mesh planarmaterials 540 are provided. See FIG. 5(C). The two-dimensional figure531 is taken as an example. According to the two-dimensional figure 531,one mesh planar material 541 is cut to get a two-dimensional meshstructure 551. Due to the characteristics of the mesh planar material,after cut, the two-dimensional mesh structure may have branched. Then,the edges of the two-dimensional mesh structure 551 are mounted. SeeFIG. 5(D). A soldering method with strips or bars is used to make thetwo-dimensional mesh structure 551 have a contour 551 a. If thistwo-dimensional mesh structure is going to be folded in the future, afolding line 551 b may be added. However, the folding line 551 b is notnecessary, depending on the users' needs. Then, see FIG. 5(E). Thesetwo-dimensional mesh structures 551, 552, 553, and 554 are combinedtogether by clamps 561 or spirals 562 to form a three-dimensional meshstructure 570. In some embodiments, as spinning the spirals 562, theyshould avoid mesh lines to make adjacent faces continuous.

According to FIG. 5 and above description, this invention provides athree-dimensional mesh structure made through a mesh planar material.The structure comprises at least one sub-mesh structure combined by atleast one linkage device. At least one sub-mesh structure can beunfolded into a two-dimensional mesh structure. Each two-dimensionalmesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure. Thesetwo-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. The polyhedron can betransformed into a three-dimensional figure. The three-dimensionalfigure is similar to the appearance of the three-dimensional meshstructure.

In some embodiment, the linkage device linkage device of thethree-dimensional mesh structure is a clamp 561. In other embodiments,the linkage device of the three-dimensional mesh structure is a spiral562. It should be noted that all linkage devices may be a clamp orspiral. It is acceptable that clamps and spirals are used together asthe linkage devices.

See FIG. 5(E). A three-dimensional mesh structure 570 comprises sub-meshstructures 541, 542, 543 and 544. The three-dimensional mesh structure570 has a swan figure. These sub-mesh structures are combined throughclamps or spirals. In some embodiments, these sub-mesh structures arecombined through soldering.

Before a three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention is combined,this invention also provides a two-dimensional mesh structure set usedto form a three-dimensional mesh structure. The two-dimensional meshstructure set comprises at least one sub-two-dimensional mesh structure.Each sub-two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for a two-dimensionalfigure. These two-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron. Thepolyhedron can be transformed into a three-dimensional figure. Thethree-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of thethree-dimensional mesh structure.

See FIG. 5(D). These two-dimensional mesh structures 541, 542, 543 and544 are considered as a whole subject. Its components (541, 542, 543 and544) have the above-mentioned relationships.

A three-dimensional mesh structure of this invention can be used fortopiary. A usage method is to use a three-dimensional mesh structure ofthis invention to cover a plant. The plant will grow along with meshes.After cutting the part of branches outside the three-dimensional meshstructure, the plant will have a shape. Or after this cutting action,some parts of branches outside the three-dimensional mesh structure areremained. The outside parts still show a shape, and thethree-dimensional mesh structure will not be seen. For example, athree-dimensional mesh structure of a swan figure can make a plant havea swan shape.

Through this invention, many kinds of topiary apparatuses can beproduced. Thus, compared to the 503' patent that can only apply toshapes with symmetric plains, this invention is more novel andnon-obvious.

Through his invention, producing a frame is not necessary. Thus,compared to the above patents that need a frame, this invention is morenovel and non-obvious.

Through this invention, plants can be beautified to design a beautifulpark or garden. A nice-looking park or garden helps people relax andenjoy the leisure time of holidays. Besides, through this invention, ananimal-shaped bonsai can be designed for a child present to makechildren approach plants better than man-made toys.

Besides, the three-dimensional mesh structure may apply to lanterns andhutches.

Although this invention is disclosed in the abovementioned, preferableembodiments, they are not used to limit this invention. Any one skilledin the art, within the spirit and scope of this invention, can make anychange and modification. Thus, the protection scope of this inventionshould be defined as the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional mesh structure of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the methods in accordancewith this invention.

FIG. 3 shows how the number of facets of a polyhedron affects athree-dimensional figure.

FIG. 4 shows how to carry out a step of one embodiment of the methods inaccordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 shows one of the embodiments in accordance with this invention.

1. A method for manufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planarmaterial, comprising: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformedinto a polyhedron; (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least onetwo-dimensional figure; (c) according to the two-dimensional figure,having a mesh planar material cut to get a two-dimensional meshstructure; and (d) having edges of the two-dimensional mesh structuremounted.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional figurecomes from a to-be-simulated object.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe steps (a) and (b) are carried out by at least one software.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein part of the softwares have graphic functions.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising (e) having at least onetwo-dimensional mesh structure combined to form at least onethree-dimensional mesh structure.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thestep (e) is carried out by a soldering method.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein the step (e) uses at least one clamp.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the step (e) uses at least one spiral.
 9. A method formanufacturing a mesh structure through a mesh planar material,comprising: (a) having a three-dimensional figure transformed into apolyhedron; (b) having the polyhedron unfolded into at least onetwo-dimensional figure; (c) having the two-dimensional figure placedover a mesh planar material to have a contour formed over the meshplanar material according to the two-dimensional figure; and (d)according to the contour, having the mesh planar material cut to get atleast one two-dimensional mesh structure.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the three-dimensional figure comes from a to-be-simulatedobject.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the steps (a) and (b) arecarried out by at least one software.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein part of the softwares have graphic functions.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising (e) having at least ones two-dimensionalmesh structure combined to form at least one three-dimensional meshstructure.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (e) is carriedout by a soldering method.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step(e) uses at least one clamp.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein thestep (e) uses at least one spiral.
 17. A three-dimensional meshstructure, made through a mesh planar material, comprising at least onesub-mesh structure combined by at least one linkage device; wherein atleast one sub-mesh structure can be unfolded into a two-dimensional meshstructure; wherein each two-dimensional mesh structure can stand for atwo-dimensional figure; wherein the two-dimensional figures can form apolyhedron; wherein the polyhedron can be transformed into athree-dimensional figure; wherein the three-dimensional figure issimilar to the appearance of the three-dimensional mesh structure. 18.The three-dimensional mesh structure of claim 17, the linkage device isa clamp.
 19. The three-dimensional mesh structure of claim 17, thelinkage device is a spiral.
 20. A two-dimensional mesh structure set,used to form a three-dimensional mesh structure, comprising at least onesub-two-dimensional mesh structure; wherein each sub-two-dimensionalmesh structure can stand for a two-dimensional figure; wherein thetwo-dimensional figures can form a polyhedron; wherein the polyhedroncan be transformed into a three-dimensional figure; wherein thethree-dimensional figure is similar to the appearance of thethree-dimensional mesh structure.